Act Like Men from Living Stones on Vimeo.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Living Stones Q&A - #5
A few months back Living Stones hosted a Question & Answers night and received over a hundred questions. Many of them were addressed during our gatherings and can be found on our podcast here. For the next few weeks I will be posting up answers to some of the remaining questions that were not answered. Answers for the questions have been provided by various Living Stones Elders.
Why is homosexuality "wrong" when animals exhibit homosexual behavior?
This question presupposes that humans and animals are essentially the same. But Scripture teaches otherwise. Genesis 1:27 and 5:1-2 teaches that man was created in God’s image, and correspondingly, is distinct from the rest of creation. Thus, although animals may exhibit homosexual behavior, because man is made in God’s image he has commanded mankind not to.
How many Christians are there in the world? How many really live it? Your thoughts?
A Christian is someone who has a saving faith in Jesus Christ, as Romans 10:9 teaches. Determining the exact number of Christians worldwide is difficult because certain people and certain religions identify themselves as Christians but deny Jesus Christ is God and that he lived, died, and rose again for their sins, among other tenets essential to the Christians faith. Further, many acknowledge Jesus and the truth, like demons, but do not have a trust and love for God. See James 2:19.
Regarding living with your boyfriend, being married does not mean that you are worshiping God more than a non-married couple. All sins are equal, right?
All sin is equal in that it constitutes disobeying God and inconsistent with unity with Jesus Christ, but not all sin has the same consequences. Some sin, e.g., sexual sin, has consequences severer than other sins, as 1 Corinthians 6:18 teaches. It is unwise, moreover, to justify one’s sinful conduct by comparison with others’. In saying that all sin is equal, we are saying that all sin is horrendous crime against God and his creation. In this way, living with your boyfriend is equal in rebellion to a man who rapes and murders children. God hates all sin.
If God has a certain path for me yet I have sinned (ex. Having a child out of marriage), how do I know if I will ever follow his path, the right path?
God is bigger than sin as he defeated it on the cross. If God has a plan for you, your sin didn't screw up what he had in store for you. In fact, he can turn your sin into an incredible blessing such as a child. In regard to the second part of the question, a good check to see if you are following the Lord's path is to ask, are you repenting of sin? A life of a believer is one of repentance and so his will for your life will be to repent as you become more like Jesus.
How do I know if I am idolizing my spouse? What are ways I can keep God central yet love and devote myself to my husband and let him lead?
Great question. This is not something we often discuss in the church as it is one of those "accepted sins" within the church. The answer to the question, if you lost your husband, would it cause to to lose the desire to live or want to turn away from God?... will reveal a lot about the difference between idolizing your husband and loving him.
Why is homosexuality "wrong" when animals exhibit homosexual behavior?
This question presupposes that humans and animals are essentially the same. But Scripture teaches otherwise. Genesis 1:27 and 5:1-2 teaches that man was created in God’s image, and correspondingly, is distinct from the rest of creation. Thus, although animals may exhibit homosexual behavior, because man is made in God’s image he has commanded mankind not to.
How many Christians are there in the world? How many really live it? Your thoughts?
A Christian is someone who has a saving faith in Jesus Christ, as Romans 10:9 teaches. Determining the exact number of Christians worldwide is difficult because certain people and certain religions identify themselves as Christians but deny Jesus Christ is God and that he lived, died, and rose again for their sins, among other tenets essential to the Christians faith. Further, many acknowledge Jesus and the truth, like demons, but do not have a trust and love for God. See James 2:19.
Regarding living with your boyfriend, being married does not mean that you are worshiping God more than a non-married couple. All sins are equal, right?
All sin is equal in that it constitutes disobeying God and inconsistent with unity with Jesus Christ, but not all sin has the same consequences. Some sin, e.g., sexual sin, has consequences severer than other sins, as 1 Corinthians 6:18 teaches. It is unwise, moreover, to justify one’s sinful conduct by comparison with others’. In saying that all sin is equal, we are saying that all sin is horrendous crime against God and his creation. In this way, living with your boyfriend is equal in rebellion to a man who rapes and murders children. God hates all sin.
If God has a certain path for me yet I have sinned (ex. Having a child out of marriage), how do I know if I will ever follow his path, the right path?
God is bigger than sin as he defeated it on the cross. If God has a plan for you, your sin didn't screw up what he had in store for you. In fact, he can turn your sin into an incredible blessing such as a child. In regard to the second part of the question, a good check to see if you are following the Lord's path is to ask, are you repenting of sin? A life of a believer is one of repentance and so his will for your life will be to repent as you become more like Jesus.
How do I know if I am idolizing my spouse? What are ways I can keep God central yet love and devote myself to my husband and let him lead?
Great question. This is not something we often discuss in the church as it is one of those "accepted sins" within the church. The answer to the question, if you lost your husband, would it cause to to lose the desire to live or want to turn away from God?... will reveal a lot about the difference between idolizing your husband and loving him.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Living Stones Q&A - #4
A few months back Living Stones hosted a Question & Answers night and received over a hundred questions. Many of them were addressed during our gatherings and can be found on our podcast here. For the next few weeks I will be posting up answers to some of the remaining questions that were not answered. Answers for the questions have been provided by various Living Stones Elders.
As followers, how do you reconcile yourself and your faith with the evil things done in God's name?
Evil things done in God’s name are exactly that, evil things that people attempt to justify using God’s name. But God is perfect can neither author or approve evil. See Matthew 5:48; Luke 18:19; Psalm 100:5; and Psalm 18:30. Even when people invoke God’s name, we can know that they are not acting consistent with his direction when their activity contradicts God’s character revealed in Scripture and the person of Jesus Christ.
Did Moses ever actually write any of the Old Testament? I have heard other people authored the books but were simply inspired by Moses, who in turned was inspired by God..
Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy), under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, which means that Moses was divinely inspired to produce the words comprising those books. See, e.g., 2 Timothy 3:16 and 2 Peter 1:20-21.
If God oversaw the creation of the Bible, wasn't god also overseeing the creation of the Koran and the book of Mormon and all the heretical books too?
God in his sovereignty allowed the Koran and Book of Mormon to be written, but Scripture is clear that only the Bible is written by God and indeed it teaches against adding to it in any way. See 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 3:16; Deuteronomy 12:32; Proverbs 30:5-6; and Revelation 22:18-19.
Because our bodies are temples, are getting tattoos/piercings a sin?
The Bible does not prohibit tattoos or piercings. 1 Corinthians 6:19 does teach that “your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God[.] You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” Accordingly, Christians have a responsibility to exercise responsible stewardship over their bodies, but this does not necessarily preclude getting tattoos or piercings. Instead, a Christian is free to do those things if doing so does not go against his or her conscience and ultimately can be done to God’s glory. See Romans 14:23; 1 Corinthians 10:29-33.
How do you know if God is real?
God has revealed himself in Scripture and the person of Jesus Christ. Further, Romans 1:19-20 teaches that the natural world bears witness to God through its beauty, complexity, usefulness.
As followers, how do you reconcile yourself and your faith with the evil things done in God's name?
Evil things done in God’s name are exactly that, evil things that people attempt to justify using God’s name. But God is perfect can neither author or approve evil. See Matthew 5:48; Luke 18:19; Psalm 100:5; and Psalm 18:30. Even when people invoke God’s name, we can know that they are not acting consistent with his direction when their activity contradicts God’s character revealed in Scripture and the person of Jesus Christ.
Did Moses ever actually write any of the Old Testament? I have heard other people authored the books but were simply inspired by Moses, who in turned was inspired by God..
Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy), under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, which means that Moses was divinely inspired to produce the words comprising those books. See, e.g., 2 Timothy 3:16 and 2 Peter 1:20-21.
If God oversaw the creation of the Bible, wasn't god also overseeing the creation of the Koran and the book of Mormon and all the heretical books too?
God in his sovereignty allowed the Koran and Book of Mormon to be written, but Scripture is clear that only the Bible is written by God and indeed it teaches against adding to it in any way. See 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 3:16; Deuteronomy 12:32; Proverbs 30:5-6; and Revelation 22:18-19.
Because our bodies are temples, are getting tattoos/piercings a sin?
The Bible does not prohibit tattoos or piercings. 1 Corinthians 6:19 does teach that “your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God[.] You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” Accordingly, Christians have a responsibility to exercise responsible stewardship over their bodies, but this does not necessarily preclude getting tattoos or piercings. Instead, a Christian is free to do those things if doing so does not go against his or her conscience and ultimately can be done to God’s glory. See Romans 14:23; 1 Corinthians 10:29-33.
How do you know if God is real?
God has revealed himself in Scripture and the person of Jesus Christ. Further, Romans 1:19-20 teaches that the natural world bears witness to God through its beauty, complexity, usefulness.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Living Stones Q&A - #3
A few months back Living Stones hosted a Question & Answers night and received over a hundred questions. Many of them were addressed during our gatherings and can be found on our podcast here. For the next few weeks I will be posting up answers to some of the remaining questions that were not answered. Answers for the questions have been provided by various Living Stones Elders.
Do you believe that other religions demonstrate how to live valid and good lives?
Other religions espouse principles consistent with the common understanding of living a good and valid life; e.g. forbidding rape, stealing, lying, etc. Those religions typically teach that adherence to those principles, among others, leads to salvation. The Bible is plain, however, that salvations is by faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by our work in adhering to rules. See Galatians 2:16. What distinguishes Christianity is that obedience (i.e., living a good and valid life) flows from loving God for what he has already done for us in Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. See John 14:15; 1 John 5:3. Moreover, the principles for living a good and valid life that other religions promote are often based on personal experience and observation, but Scripture teaches that wisdom begins with fearing (i.e., demonstrating reverence and humility before) God. See Psalm 111:10. Thus, while other religions may teach useful principles, they do not go far enough. Living righteously begins with God, not our experience and observation. Additionally, our obedience is only possible through the Holy Spirit’s empowerment, not through exerted personal effort or any other external assistance, such as a better circumstance, meditation, reading a self-help book, etc. See Philippians 2:12-13.
If going through a hard time in life where in the Bible do I turn to?
Although myriad passages of Scripture are helpful when suffering, the Psalms are a good place to start, as many of them were written by a man named David, who experienced severe hardship in his life. During those times, he wrote down his prayers to God, seeking help, expressing frustration and confusion, and ultimately praising God. Check out Psalm 46, Psalm 22, and Psalm 55.
In 1 Tim 4:10, we read that "...because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe (ESV)." I thought that Jesus is the savior ONLY of those who believed...? How then is He the Savior of "all people"?
As the question suggests, 1 Timothy 4:10 appears to teach universalism—that everyone will be saved and that no one will suffer eternal punishment in hell. But such an interpretation contradicts much of Scripture; e.g., Psalm 53:3; Romans 3:23; Daniel 12:2; and Matthew 5:29-30; 10:28; and 18:9. Instead, it appears that the term “Savior of all people” in 1 Timothy 4:10 likely refers to God’s temporal blessing enjoyed by all mankind, referred to as his common grace; e.g., the enjoyment of God’s creation, rain that produces crops, and the breath that sustains us. See Matthew 5:45; Acts 14:15-17. The phrase “especially of those who believe,” then, is a reference to the more specific way in which God saves those who live by faith in Jesus Christ.
Should Christian teens date or wait till they’re older?
The Bible does not say much about dating specifically because the modern understanding of dating is a relatively recent invention, developing in the last 100 years. In my view, a person should not pursue a serious romantic relationship until he or she is mature enough and ready to marry. Meanwhile, the individual should focus on maturing by, for example, taking on adult responsibilities, studying Scripture, living on mission, and pursuing godly mentorship.
God still speaks through people today. I have my personal testimonies where I feel God spoke to me. Can I write my own "book of the Bible?"
No. The Bible unequivocally prohibits us from adding anything to it or considering any other writing as equal in value to it. See, e.g., Deuteronomy 12:32; Proverbs 30:5-6; and Revelation 22:18-19.
Do you believe that other religions demonstrate how to live valid and good lives?
Other religions espouse principles consistent with the common understanding of living a good and valid life; e.g. forbidding rape, stealing, lying, etc. Those religions typically teach that adherence to those principles, among others, leads to salvation. The Bible is plain, however, that salvations is by faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by our work in adhering to rules. See Galatians 2:16. What distinguishes Christianity is that obedience (i.e., living a good and valid life) flows from loving God for what he has already done for us in Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. See John 14:15; 1 John 5:3. Moreover, the principles for living a good and valid life that other religions promote are often based on personal experience and observation, but Scripture teaches that wisdom begins with fearing (i.e., demonstrating reverence and humility before) God. See Psalm 111:10. Thus, while other religions may teach useful principles, they do not go far enough. Living righteously begins with God, not our experience and observation. Additionally, our obedience is only possible through the Holy Spirit’s empowerment, not through exerted personal effort or any other external assistance, such as a better circumstance, meditation, reading a self-help book, etc. See Philippians 2:12-13.
If going through a hard time in life where in the Bible do I turn to?
Although myriad passages of Scripture are helpful when suffering, the Psalms are a good place to start, as many of them were written by a man named David, who experienced severe hardship in his life. During those times, he wrote down his prayers to God, seeking help, expressing frustration and confusion, and ultimately praising God. Check out Psalm 46, Psalm 22, and Psalm 55.
In 1 Tim 4:10, we read that "...because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe (ESV)." I thought that Jesus is the savior ONLY of those who believed...? How then is He the Savior of "all people"?
As the question suggests, 1 Timothy 4:10 appears to teach universalism—that everyone will be saved and that no one will suffer eternal punishment in hell. But such an interpretation contradicts much of Scripture; e.g., Psalm 53:3; Romans 3:23; Daniel 12:2; and Matthew 5:29-30; 10:28; and 18:9. Instead, it appears that the term “Savior of all people” in 1 Timothy 4:10 likely refers to God’s temporal blessing enjoyed by all mankind, referred to as his common grace; e.g., the enjoyment of God’s creation, rain that produces crops, and the breath that sustains us. See Matthew 5:45; Acts 14:15-17. The phrase “especially of those who believe,” then, is a reference to the more specific way in which God saves those who live by faith in Jesus Christ.
Should Christian teens date or wait till they’re older?
The Bible does not say much about dating specifically because the modern understanding of dating is a relatively recent invention, developing in the last 100 years. In my view, a person should not pursue a serious romantic relationship until he or she is mature enough and ready to marry. Meanwhile, the individual should focus on maturing by, for example, taking on adult responsibilities, studying Scripture, living on mission, and pursuing godly mentorship.
God still speaks through people today. I have my personal testimonies where I feel God spoke to me. Can I write my own "book of the Bible?"
No. The Bible unequivocally prohibits us from adding anything to it or considering any other writing as equal in value to it. See, e.g., Deuteronomy 12:32; Proverbs 30:5-6; and Revelation 22:18-19.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Living Stones Q&A - #2
A few months back Living Stones hosted a Question & Answers night and received over a hundred questions. Many of them were addressed during our gatherings and can be found on our podcast here. For the next few weeks I will be posting up answers to some of the remaining questions that were not answered. Answers for the questions have been provided by various Living Stones Elders.
What does it look like to completely die to self?
Dying to self means laying aside our will, desires, motives, etc. and aligning them with Christ. Paul says in Galatians that we have been crucified with Christ and that it is no longer we who live, but Christ who lives in us. This is the picture of baptism (Rom. 6). As we are lowered into the water we are aligning ourselves with Christ’s death and as we come out of the water we are aligning our self with Christ’s resurrection. Dying to our self would include reminding ourselves of our Gospel identity (reliance on Christ’s work, not ours) and repentance (crucifying the flesh Gal. 5:24). To die to self is to cast aside the idol of self-reliance and fully trust in God.
As a leader, when do you step-down from moral failure?
If by moral failure you’re referring to adultery, then immediately due to the gravity and public nature of such a sin.
Why was proving a point to the devil, worth more than Job's well being?
The Bible doesn’t say that the only reason God allowed this to happen was to prove a point to Satan. I’m sure God, in His infinite wisdom, had a number of reasons why He gave permission to Satan to test Job and we can only speculate from there and need to be careful in doing so (Deut. 29:29). From the story of Job we learn that at times bad things happen to good people and that it isn’t always a result of sin and good things can happen to bad people. The world doesn’t revolve around Karma. We’re also reminded in Job that in the midst of affliction or suffering we shouldn’t curse God, which is so often our default and shows our self-centeredness. When Jesus suffered, He looked to God and submitted to His will. It also shows us that God is sovereign throughout the whole situation and in the end doubles everything that was taken away.
Does the story about the sheep and goats in Matthew 25 teach salvation by works?
Whenever we seek to interpret scripture, we always look at it not only in light of its immediate context, but also with the rest of scripture. We can’t pull out verses on their own and develop a theology, without comparing it to the rest of the Bible. There is a lot of bad doctrine and heresy developed by ignoring the basic hermeneutic principle that Scripture interprets Scripture. So if we come across a passage that seem ambiguous, we don’t develop a theology from it without taking into consideration other passages that are more clear. We then use the clear passage to help us understand the less clear passage, not the other way around!
In this case, the Bible is very clear that we are saved by grace and not by our works and that we are then saved to good works (Eph. 2:8-10). The sheep aren’t saved by their righteousness, but rather that these good works are evidence of their transformed heart. It also shows them being judged for keeping all of the law or none of it. There’s no middle ground. So the sheep are being judged as having done perfect and the goats being judged as having kept none of it. At judgment, those people (sheep) who profess Christ, will be judged not according to our obedience, but to Christ’s perfect fulfillment of the law.
Why did God make the devil if he knew that he would be evil?
Ultimately, we are not given a straightforward explanation to this question in Scripture and we can’t full know the mind of God (Deut. 29:29); however, we do know that God didn’t originally create demons, but that at some point there was an angelic rebellion, with many angels turning against God and becoming evil (2 Peter 2:4, Jude 6).
It’s also important to remember that God and the Satan are not equally “weighted” forces waging the war on good and evil while we hold our breath in suspense to see who will win. The Bible always shows God as sovereign and in control, even over Satan and his influences (Job 1:7-2:7).
It’s also important to remember that God will do whatever will bring him the most glory, which he has the right to do because he’s God. God’s glory is most clearly pictured in the cross! The most evil act in history is the act through which God showed his Glory in bringing about reconciliation and the forgiveness of sins displaying His love and mercy. It was on the cross where God’s power and justice was displayed in defeating Satan (Col. 2:15, Rev. 12:11) and Satan’s ultimate end will at be at Final Judgment where he will be thrown into the lake of fire to be tormented day and night forever and ever (Rev. 20:10).
What does it look like to completely die to self?
Dying to self means laying aside our will, desires, motives, etc. and aligning them with Christ. Paul says in Galatians that we have been crucified with Christ and that it is no longer we who live, but Christ who lives in us. This is the picture of baptism (Rom. 6). As we are lowered into the water we are aligning ourselves with Christ’s death and as we come out of the water we are aligning our self with Christ’s resurrection. Dying to our self would include reminding ourselves of our Gospel identity (reliance on Christ’s work, not ours) and repentance (crucifying the flesh Gal. 5:24). To die to self is to cast aside the idol of self-reliance and fully trust in God.
As a leader, when do you step-down from moral failure?
If by moral failure you’re referring to adultery, then immediately due to the gravity and public nature of such a sin.
Why was proving a point to the devil, worth more than Job's well being?
The Bible doesn’t say that the only reason God allowed this to happen was to prove a point to Satan. I’m sure God, in His infinite wisdom, had a number of reasons why He gave permission to Satan to test Job and we can only speculate from there and need to be careful in doing so (Deut. 29:29). From the story of Job we learn that at times bad things happen to good people and that it isn’t always a result of sin and good things can happen to bad people. The world doesn’t revolve around Karma. We’re also reminded in Job that in the midst of affliction or suffering we shouldn’t curse God, which is so often our default and shows our self-centeredness. When Jesus suffered, He looked to God and submitted to His will. It also shows us that God is sovereign throughout the whole situation and in the end doubles everything that was taken away.
Does the story about the sheep and goats in Matthew 25 teach salvation by works?
Whenever we seek to interpret scripture, we always look at it not only in light of its immediate context, but also with the rest of scripture. We can’t pull out verses on their own and develop a theology, without comparing it to the rest of the Bible. There is a lot of bad doctrine and heresy developed by ignoring the basic hermeneutic principle that Scripture interprets Scripture. So if we come across a passage that seem ambiguous, we don’t develop a theology from it without taking into consideration other passages that are more clear. We then use the clear passage to help us understand the less clear passage, not the other way around!
In this case, the Bible is very clear that we are saved by grace and not by our works and that we are then saved to good works (Eph. 2:8-10). The sheep aren’t saved by their righteousness, but rather that these good works are evidence of their transformed heart. It also shows them being judged for keeping all of the law or none of it. There’s no middle ground. So the sheep are being judged as having done perfect and the goats being judged as having kept none of it. At judgment, those people (sheep) who profess Christ, will be judged not according to our obedience, but to Christ’s perfect fulfillment of the law.
Why did God make the devil if he knew that he would be evil?
Ultimately, we are not given a straightforward explanation to this question in Scripture and we can’t full know the mind of God (Deut. 29:29); however, we do know that God didn’t originally create demons, but that at some point there was an angelic rebellion, with many angels turning against God and becoming evil (2 Peter 2:4, Jude 6).
It’s also important to remember that God and the Satan are not equally “weighted” forces waging the war on good and evil while we hold our breath in suspense to see who will win. The Bible always shows God as sovereign and in control, even over Satan and his influences (Job 1:7-2:7).
It’s also important to remember that God will do whatever will bring him the most glory, which he has the right to do because he’s God. God’s glory is most clearly pictured in the cross! The most evil act in history is the act through which God showed his Glory in bringing about reconciliation and the forgiveness of sins displaying His love and mercy. It was on the cross where God’s power and justice was displayed in defeating Satan (Col. 2:15, Rev. 12:11) and Satan’s ultimate end will at be at Final Judgment where he will be thrown into the lake of fire to be tormented day and night forever and ever (Rev. 20:10).
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Living Stones Q&A - #1
A few months back Living Stones hosted a Question & Answers night and received over a hundred questions. Many of them were addressed during our gatherings and can be found on our podcast here. For the next few weeks I will be posting up answers to some of the remaining questions that were not answered. Answers for the questions have been provided by various Living Stones Elders.
Is the length of marital engagement dictated by the Bible?
The Bible does not dictate a specific length for marital engagement. The Bible does say though in 1 Corinthians 7: 9 that if one “cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.” Having said that, one should not enter into marriage for the sole sake of sex and should practice self-control. At Living Stones, for a pastor to marry you, we ask that the couple go through at least eight weeks of pre-marital counseling. Personally, I don’t think long engagements (over 1 year) are wise for the reason stated above. This isn’t a hard line in the sand, and there are a number of factors that go into choosing the length of an engagement, but if you’re going to get married, get married and don’t wait another year or two. If you’re not ready to get married, then don’t get engaged.
What is the church doing to help build up the men in the community as leaders in the church and their homes?
It is a constant prayer of the LS staff and pastors that men would man up and be godly men who lead in the church and home! Paul exhorts the Corinthian men saying, “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, ACT LIKE MEN, be strong” (1 Cor. 16:13 ESV). So often it’s women who shoulder up the man’s burden and responsibility to lead his family and church, because he simply chooses not to put in the effort, give of his time and resources, or has some other idol in place.
So the exhortation here is that a man is to lead and love his wife the way that Christ loves the Church. How did Jesus love the Church? He chose her, pursued her, served her, sanctified her, and laid down His life for her. As a man submits to the Lord, a wife submits to her husband’s leading in the same way the Church submits to Christ’s leading. Too often we hear the word submission and we get squeamish, especially in American culture, and no doubt, there has been abuse; however, if a man is truly following Christ’s example of what it looks like to love his bride, then it should be a joy for his wife submit to him as we in the church joyfully submit our lives to Christ.
How do you become a Christian?
There are not certain “steps” one takes to become a Christian in a religious sense i.e. say this specific prayer, or do this then that, etc. To become a Christian rather means to recognize and understand that our sin has separated us from God and apart from Christ there is no hope for reconciliation. It means that we have come to a place when we realize we are unable, no matter how hard we try, to meet God’s standard of perfection and are in need of a savior. This is repentance: that we turn from sin, and turn to Jesus in faith. It moves beyond a pure cognitive understanding of the Gospel and acceptance of it to placing full trust and faith in Jesus’ death on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. Once we have placed our faith in Jesus and His work on the cross, we now live a life of faith and worship in response to His amazing grace (Gal. 2:20).
Can you be a Christian and not go to church?
I think that you could technically be a Christian and not go to church because we’re saved by God’s grace and not by our own works of righteousness (Titus 3:5); however, you would be walking in sin (Heb. 10:25) and are most likely deeply deceived by your own self-righteousness. What a place for Satan to get someone. If one refuses to repent and submit to Hebrews 10:25, then they’d truly need to personally assess whether they’re Christian or not. Paul gives the analogy of the church in First Corinthians as being a body, comprised of all different parts to make a whole. If a part of a body is cut off, and isn’t quickly “sown” back on, it will die.
What does it mean to have my identity in Christ or "gospel identity"? How does this look in my daily life?
To have our identity rooted in the Gospel means that we see ourselves the way God sees us through Christ (redeemed & forgiven Col. 1:13-14, righteous 2 Cor. 5:21, chosen Eph. 1:3-8, justified Rom. 5:1, child of God Rom. 8:15, free from condemnation Rom 8:1, sealed 2 Cor. 1:21-22, new creation 2 Cor. 5:17, temple of the Holy Spirit 1 Cor. 6:19.
It’s out of this identity that we have the freedom to follow after God. It is no longer I who live, but Christ in me both to will and to work for His good pleasure (Phil. 2:13). Having a Gospel Identity sets us free and gives us peace before God because we remember our right standing before God is not based on our works, but by Jesus work on the cross.
Is the length of marital engagement dictated by the Bible?
The Bible does not dictate a specific length for marital engagement. The Bible does say though in 1 Corinthians 7: 9 that if one “cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.” Having said that, one should not enter into marriage for the sole sake of sex and should practice self-control. At Living Stones, for a pastor to marry you, we ask that the couple go through at least eight weeks of pre-marital counseling. Personally, I don’t think long engagements (over 1 year) are wise for the reason stated above. This isn’t a hard line in the sand, and there are a number of factors that go into choosing the length of an engagement, but if you’re going to get married, get married and don’t wait another year or two. If you’re not ready to get married, then don’t get engaged.
What is the church doing to help build up the men in the community as leaders in the church and their homes?
It is a constant prayer of the LS staff and pastors that men would man up and be godly men who lead in the church and home! Paul exhorts the Corinthian men saying, “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, ACT LIKE MEN, be strong” (1 Cor. 16:13 ESV). So often it’s women who shoulder up the man’s burden and responsibility to lead his family and church, because he simply chooses not to put in the effort, give of his time and resources, or has some other idol in place.
This is why approximately 2/3 of the volunteers at Stones are women.
The primary discipleship tool to build up men in the community is Community Groups. We have over 90 different community groups for men, women, and co-ed all over the Reno-Sparks area every day of the week at various times for people to join. For men that are already plugged into the strategy (worship gatherings, community group, mission) and are faithful, there are a number of more “organic” groups for men to join or be invited into such as the pastor’s school, academy groups, deacon process, etc. I could be completely off and most likely am, but part of me wonders if the guy who asked this question (assuming it was a guy), has even taken the initiative to faithfully plug into the opportunities currently in place.
What does your relationship with your wife look like based on Ephesians 5:22-25?
Marriage is given to us as a picture of Jesus’ relationship with us (Eph. 5) and heaven is often pictured as a wedding banquet (Rev. 19). Jesus refers to Himself as the Bridegroom (Matt 9:15) and the church is referred to as His bride (2 Cor. 11:2).
What does your relationship with your wife look like based on Ephesians 5:22-25?
Marriage is given to us as a picture of Jesus’ relationship with us (Eph. 5) and heaven is often pictured as a wedding banquet (Rev. 19). Jesus refers to Himself as the Bridegroom (Matt 9:15) and the church is referred to as His bride (2 Cor. 11:2).
So the exhortation here is that a man is to lead and love his wife the way that Christ loves the Church. How did Jesus love the Church? He chose her, pursued her, served her, sanctified her, and laid down His life for her. As a man submits to the Lord, a wife submits to her husband’s leading in the same way the Church submits to Christ’s leading. Too often we hear the word submission and we get squeamish, especially in American culture, and no doubt, there has been abuse; however, if a man is truly following Christ’s example of what it looks like to love his bride, then it should be a joy for his wife submit to him as we in the church joyfully submit our lives to Christ.
How do you become a Christian?
There are not certain “steps” one takes to become a Christian in a religious sense i.e. say this specific prayer, or do this then that, etc. To become a Christian rather means to recognize and understand that our sin has separated us from God and apart from Christ there is no hope for reconciliation. It means that we have come to a place when we realize we are unable, no matter how hard we try, to meet God’s standard of perfection and are in need of a savior. This is repentance: that we turn from sin, and turn to Jesus in faith. It moves beyond a pure cognitive understanding of the Gospel and acceptance of it to placing full trust and faith in Jesus’ death on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. Once we have placed our faith in Jesus and His work on the cross, we now live a life of faith and worship in response to His amazing grace (Gal. 2:20).
Can you be a Christian and not go to church?
I think that you could technically be a Christian and not go to church because we’re saved by God’s grace and not by our own works of righteousness (Titus 3:5); however, you would be walking in sin (Heb. 10:25) and are most likely deeply deceived by your own self-righteousness. What a place for Satan to get someone. If one refuses to repent and submit to Hebrews 10:25, then they’d truly need to personally assess whether they’re Christian or not. Paul gives the analogy of the church in First Corinthians as being a body, comprised of all different parts to make a whole. If a part of a body is cut off, and isn’t quickly “sown” back on, it will die.
What does it mean to have my identity in Christ or "gospel identity"? How does this look in my daily life?
To have our identity rooted in the Gospel means that we see ourselves the way God sees us through Christ (redeemed & forgiven Col. 1:13-14, righteous 2 Cor. 5:21, chosen Eph. 1:3-8, justified Rom. 5:1, child of God Rom. 8:15, free from condemnation Rom 8:1, sealed 2 Cor. 1:21-22, new creation 2 Cor. 5:17, temple of the Holy Spirit 1 Cor. 6:19.
It’s out of this identity that we have the freedom to follow after God. It is no longer I who live, but Christ in me both to will and to work for His good pleasure (Phil. 2:13). Having a Gospel Identity sets us free and gives us peace before God because we remember our right standing before God is not based on our works, but by Jesus work on the cross.
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